Avira Free Security
Password manager included.
Optional additional downloadable protection layers.
Additional features can be annoying.
Andrzej Wojcicki / Science Photo Library / Getty Images
Add-on components often require fee to be fully functional.
This scanning method lets Avira’s antivirus tool identify and stop threats before they get out of hand.
Avira can scan and remove existing threats, as well as automatically detect and stop new ones.
It protects you against ransomware, Trojans, spyware, and other kinds of malware.
This program offers more than just a very extensive antivirus app.
However, you don’thaveto use them, and they won’t bother you unless you open them.
Avira Free Security is intended to run on computers with Windows 7 and newer.
I reviewed it in Windows 11, but it’ll also work with Windows 10/8.
There’s a version for macOS.
Avast Free Antivirus
Add-ons allow you to increase protection.
Password manager and some other tools included are trial only.
Additional features require purchase.
Wi-Fi Inspector scans the web link for devices that could be vulnerable to attacks.
Or, you might ignore them during setup and just install them later, or not at all.
However, the password manager and Cleanup tools are only trial versions that will expire after a time-limited trial.
There’s also a firewall, file shredder, and sandbox feature that’s unusable in this free version.
Avast Free Antivirus is compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7.
There’s also a version for macOS, Android, and iOS.
AVG AntiVirus Free
Installs in a few minutes.
Choose what to enable during setup.
Updates automatically (definitions and the program).
You have full control over how things work.
Shows features you’ve got the option to’t enable in the free version.
Always advertises AVG Internet Security.
Doesn’t officially support Windows Vista, and the XP version no longer receives new features.
AVG’s free antivirus program is easy on the eyes and even easier to use.
AVG AntiVirus Free is highly customizable.
During setup, you have full control over which components should be enabled or disabled after AVG is installed.
Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, and XP are the official minimum OS system requirements.
It also runs on Mac (10.13 High Sierra and newer), Android, and iOS.
Feel free to uncheck that option if you want.
Panda Free Antivirus
Light impact on system resources.
Minimal, uncomplicated design.
Security news about the latest reports of breaches and threats.
Tries to install another program during setup.
Panda Security’s free antivirus program installs in minutes and has a minimal design.
it’s possible for you to, however, turn those off if you want to.
Something I liked while using it was that I could complete a scan in just a few minutes.
ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus
Updates automatically.
Includes a free firewall.
Can run scheduled scans.
Heavy on system resources.
ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall is said to work on Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows 7.
COMODO Antivirus
User interface can conform to your comfort level.
Lots of tweaks can be customized.
Automatic updates for the program and virus definitions.
controls sometimes dont save after editing them.
Includes other programs and tools you might not want.
Might install other software from the same company unless you tell it not to.
Right after installing this free antivirus program, a scan started on my computer to double-check it was safe.
One area I want to focus on is the virtualization feature in COMODO Antivirus.
you could run any program you want in a virtual space completely separate from the rest of your files.
The program is officially compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7.
